High Gear, April 6, 2022

Volume 76 | Issue 41 / April 6, 2022
 
So glad to enjoy an in-person meeting once again. We were at Goodwin, and though that meant getting all our Rotary paraphernalia and the catered food to the third floor, the group was up to the challenge.  Everyone pitched in.
We experimented with having Zoom available as well.  Early on it was apparent that no one was joining via Zoom; so, President Sue opted to shut that down.
 
EH Officers Join Us For Lunch
 
President Sue opened the meeting by ringing the big bell, had to explain why we were not saying the pledge (no flag in the room), then invited Anwar Hossain to give the invocation.  He offered a strongly worded reminder of the need for peace throughout the world.  After mentioning the continuing horrors experienced by Ukrainians, in the country and beyond as refugees, as well as the uncertain future of young girls in Afghanistan, Sue asked for a moment of silence.
 
 
Assistant Chief Mack Hawkins
 
We welcomed four of East Hartford’s finest to our meeting today.  Assistant Chief Mack Hawkins, Deputy Chief Don Olson, Community Service Officer Ted Branon and Community Service Officer Dave Flores.  During our meal we enjoyed some back and forth, many members expressing our respect and support for the department.  We learned they are planning another National Night Out community outreach event August 2nd, in which our club will participate. Thanks to Guy LaBella and Roma’s, the group enjoyed a hearty lunch including both pizza and traditional Italian dishes.
 
 
Great Grandkids Abound!
Congratulations to Bill and Bev Saunders on arrival of a third great grandchild, and to Ceil who also had a great granddaughter arrive on Monday.  Bob has been in touch with Dick McCarthy who is about the same, one step forward, two steps back.  Keep him in your thoughts.
 
Saturday’s trail cleanup has been canceled since Sue and Service Projects Chair, Bob Buettner, walked the trail Tuesday and determined there was no trash along the trail to clean up.  We were given a banner to display during the service project.  This will be very useful during other events this spring.  Sue also showed two of the vests the club has purchased.  Thanks to Anwar for all his efforts getting these.
She thanked everyone involved in last Wednesday’s Paul Harris Recognition dinner, Bob and Jim, Ceil and Peggy plus Wes for taking great photos. 
 
President Sue’s report on last night’s board meeting--
  1. Based on the general enthusiasm about our experience at the Wethersfield Country Club, the board agreed to reserve it for our June 29, 2022, installation event.
  2. Agreed there will be six, $3000 scholarships for students who are residents of East Hartford graduating from high school –THANKS TO BILL AND JIM, the trustees for the scholarship trust funds, AND TO CONNOR MARTIN AND HIS COMMITTEE.
  3. Approved donation of $1000 to E H H S Academy of Finance
  4. Approved our club’s submitting PDG Marc’s name to serve as delegate to Council on Legislation to be held spring 2025.
  5. Approved plan to submit amendment to our club’s bylaws eliminating attendance reporting requirement. 
 
The board discussed the pros and cons of having a spring fundraiser/raffle and decided against it, hoping to focus on the golf tournament instead.
Something to put on your calendar -- Saturday, April 23rd, 11 AM will be the unveiling of the second mega MLK39 mural in our town.  Our club is a sponsor.
 
Formal notice of the Board’s proposal to amend our Club Bylaws by eliminating the attendance reporting requirement: Despite Article 10 of the Constitution of this club, Article 4, Section 5 shall be amended to eliminate the requirement that the secretary keeps attendance records.
 
The vote on this proposal will occur at our first in-person meeting in May.
 
Submitted by Sue Klock, April High Gear reporter.